WASHINGTON -- Juliette Kayyem, the former homeland security adviser to Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick who helped coordinate Boston Marathon security in years past, said the finish line was always a vulnerable spot for a terrorist attack.

Two explosions rocked the finish line on Monday, killing at least two people and injuring more than 100.

Kayyem said there was never a serious terrorist threat to the Boston Marathon "that I remember" when she held the homeland security post. Kayyem said her biggest concern during her years was simply the health of the runners. "It was tended to be viewed as a public health event," she explained. "For the most part, this is 30,000 runners not feeling great at the end."

David Monti, editor and publisher of Race Results Weekly, told The New York Times that “finisher density was high” when the explosives went off. “Most race organizers have security plans in place, but let’s face it, marathons are no different than other street celebrations like parades," he said.

Also on HuffPost:

Close



Politicians React To Boston Marathon Explosion

of





“This is a horrific day in Boston. My thoughts and prayers are with those who have been injured. I have been in touch with the President, Mayor Menino and our public safety leaders. Our focus is on making sure that the area around Copley Square is safe and secured. I am asking everyone to stay away from Copley Square and let the first responders do their jobs.”

The American people will say a prayer for Boston tonight. And Michelle and I send our deepest thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims in the wake of this senseless loss.
...
We still do not know who did this or why. And people shouldn’t jump to conclusions before we have all the facts. But make no mistake -- we will get to the bottom of this. And we will find out who did this; we'll find out why they did this. Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups will feel the full weight of justice.
Today is a holiday in Massachusetts -- Patriots’ Day. It’s a day that celebrates the free and fiercely independent spirit that this great American city of Boston has reflected from the earliest days of our nation. And it’s a day that draws the world to Boston’s streets in a spirit of friendly competition. Boston is a tough and resilient town. So are its people. I'm supremely confident that Bostonians will pull together, take care of each other, and move forward as one proud city. And as they do, the American people will be with them every single step of the way.

VP Biden: "Our prayers are with those people in Boston who have suffered injuries. I don’t know how many there are."

I would like to begin by actually taking a moment to inform the members of this body and people who may be listening, if you weren't aware, it appears that a tragedy has struck at the Doston Marathon, and bombs have gone off, and there are injuries that we know of, casualties, the severity of which we do not yet know. We hope and pray that there are no fatalities. It apparently, according to news reports I've seen, it's too soon to know that with certainty.So I know my good friend from West Virginia joins me in having out thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families over the very, very disturbing news we've just learned this afternoon.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Boston today and with the families of all of the victims of this brutal attack. We pray for the health and recovery of those injured, for the witnesses to the explosions, and for the first responders who arrived on the scene to tend to the wounded and secure the area.
“Words are inadequate to console the loved ones of those lost at the Boston Marathon. But we will do what we can to care for them. We will ensure that justice will be done.
“Members of Congress stand ready to assist our partners in Boston and Massachusetts as they respond to this unspeakable tragedy. The entire nation will stand as a source of support and comfort to this community in the days to come.”

“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of today’s bombing at the Boston Marathon, the brave first responders who rushed to the scene to help others and the entire city of Boston. For decades, the Boston Marathon has brought together people from all over the world in the pursuit of athletic excellence, a sense of accomplishment and to raise money for many worthy causes. I am disturbed and saddened that anyone would ruin this day of celebration by targeting innocent people and murdering them in cold blood. Once it is determined who is responsible, justice must be served to the fullest extent possible.”

“It is a very sad Patriot’s Day in Boston. Ann and I send our thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of those who were killed and injured in today’s horrific act of violence. For the many Mainers who are in Boston today we hope you are safe.
I have been in contact with Director Rob McAleer of the Maine Emergency Management Agency who is monitoring the situation and keeping me apprised of any developments. MEMA staff is on standby in the case they are called to assist.
Boston officials are indicating this is an ongoing event, and I urge Mainers to listen to the guidance of Boston officials who continue to work on the scene. Families who may be looking for loved ones are asked to call 617-635-4500. Additionally, if anyone saw anything and has information that may lead to an arrest, they are asked to call 1-800-494-TIPS.”